Neurological symptoms are often unsettling precisely because they are hard to pin down. A tingling sensation that will not go away, headaches that feel different from usual, a hand that shakes a little more than it used to, or a moment of confusion that passes but leaves a nagging worry behind. A neurologist is the specialist trained to investigate exactly this kind of concern, diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Dubai’s neurology services have expanded considerably, with dedicated neuroscience centres now offering on-site imaging, neurophysiology testing including EEG and EMG, and rehabilitation services under one roof, reducing the need for patients to travel between multiple facilities for answers. Below is a list of individual neurologists in Dubai known for strong patient outcomes, followed by the leading hospitals and neurology centres where comprehensive neuroscience teams practice.
Top Neurologists in Dubai
1. Dr. Fatmah Al Zahmi
Dr. Fatmah Al Zahmi is Head of the Neurology Department and Consultant Neurologist at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, and is consistently named by patients as one of the most trusted neurologists in Dubai. She is the first Emirati female stroke neurologist and the only Emirati neurologist with dual subspecialty training in Vascular Neurology and Neuromuscular Medicine. She completed her MBBS at UAE University, Al Ain, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at the University of Alberta, Canada, a Neurology residency at the University of Connecticut, USA, a Fellowship in Vascular Neurology at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, and a Fellowship in Neuromuscular Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago. Patient reviews across multiple platforms describe her as thorough and genuinely invested in getting to the correct diagnosis, with several noting she helped resolve conditions that had been misdiagnosed by previous doctors, including rare cases of ALS and CIDP.
| Address | Umm Suqeim St – Al Barsha South Third – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Qualification | MBBS (UAE University), Triple American Board Certified (Internal Medicine, Neurology, Vascular Neurology), Fellowship in Vascular Neurology (Rush University, Chicago), Fellowship in Neuromuscular Medicine (Northwestern University, Chicago) |
| Speciality | Neuromuscular Neurology, Stroke, Myasthenia Gravis, CIDP, ALS |
| Role | Head of Neurology Department |
| Contact | 800 1999 / +971 4 435 9900 |
2. Dr. Arun Sharma
Dr. Arun Sharma is a consultant neurologist with over 35 years of experience, holding an MD in Internal Medicine, a DM in Neurology, and a PhD in Neurology. He is trained and certified in Neuro-Electrophysiology from Nicolet Inc., and his practice covers a broad range of conditions including headaches and migraine, autism, ADHD, chronic tension headaches, and Tourette’s Syndrome. His clinic uses EEG, EMG, nerve conduction studies, and imaging including MRI, CT, and Carotid Doppler for precise diagnosis, and he works closely with neurosurgeons for cases requiring surgical referral.
| Address | Centre – 18th floor, Conrad Tower – 1 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Center First – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Qualification | MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology), PhD (Neurology), Fellowship of Royal Medicine (UK), Diploma in Neuro-Electrophysiology (University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA) |
| Speciality | Headaches and Migraine, Autism, ADHD, Neuro-Electrophysiology |
| Experience | 35+ years |
| Contact | 800 444 444 |
3. Dr. Mona Thakre
Dr. Mona Thakre has more than 15 years of experience across both the UAE and India. She completed her MBBS and MD in Medicine at Nagpur University, India, followed by DM and DNB in Neurology at Bombay Hospital, Mumbai University. She holds an additional Speciality Certificate in Neurology from the Royal College of Physicians (UK), reflecting a combination of Indian and UK-recognised neurology training that is relatively distinctive among Dubai’s neurology community.
| Address | Umm Suqeim St – Al Barsha South Third – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Qualification | MBBS, MD (Nagpur University), DM and DNB Neurology (Bombay Hospital, Mumbai University), Speciality Certificate in Neurology (Royal College of Physicians, UK), Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN) |
| Experience | 17+ years |
| Consultation Fee | AED 550 |
| Contact | 800 1999 / +971 4 435 9900 |
4. Dr. Vittorio Iantorno
Dr. Vittorio Iantorno practises within King’s College Hospital Dubai‘s Neurosciences Centre, one of a team of specialists brought together to manage everything from small nerve issues to more complex conditions involving the brain or spine. Patients frequently mention his calm, thorough approach and his willingness to take time explaining what is happening rather than rushing through a diagnosis.
| Hospital/Clinic | King’s College Hospital London – Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid – Dubai Hills – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Speciality | General Neurology |
| Contact | 800 7777 |
5. Dr. Aneela Darbar
Dr. Aneela Darbar is part of the Neurosciences Centre team at King’s College Hospital Dubai, contributing to the hospital’s collaborative approach where neurologists, neurosurgeons, and related specialists work together on complex presentations. Her practice covers the general spectrum of neurological complaints seen at the centre, from headaches and dizziness to memory changes and tremor.
| Hospital/Clinic | East Exit – Alkhail Street – Al Marabea’ St – Dubai Hills – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Speciality | General Neurology |
| Contact | 800 7777 |
6. Dr. Shyam Babu Chandran
Dr. Shyam Babu Chandran graduated from Calicut Medical College and completed his adult and pediatric neurology residency training at Zulekha Hospital, giving him experience across both age groups. Patients describe him as highly skilled, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to helping patients improve their quality of life following a neurological diagnosis.
| Hospital/Clinic | Doha St – Al Nahda Second – Al Qusais – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Qualification | Calicut Medical College, adult and pediatric neurology residency (Zulekha Hospital) |
| Speciality | Adult and Pediatric Neurology |
| Contact | 600 52 4442 |
7. Dr. Sarmad Al Fahad
Professor Sarmad Al Fahad is a Senior Consultant Neurologist and Professor of Neurology with more than 40 years of clinical, academic, and teaching experience, currently practising at Gargash Hospital in Dubai. UK-trained and internationally respected, he holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Baghdad University, and gained his clinical and teaching experience in the United Kingdom at some of the world’s most prestigious hospitals. He is an International Adviser for the Royal College of Physicians, London, and for the Neuro-Behçet’s Disease Research Project, with subspecialist interests spanning stroke, epilepsy, neuro-immunology, multiple sclerosis, and neuromuscular disease.
| Address | Umm Suqeim St – opposite Dubai Police Academy – Umm Al Sheif – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Qualification | Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (Baghdad University), Member Royal College of Physicians London, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology |
| Speciality | Stroke, Epilepsy, Movement Disorders, Neuropathic Pain, Memory Loss, Neuro-Immunology |
| Experience | 40+ years |
| Website | gargashhospital.com |
8. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Abouelyazed Elshafei
Dr. Elshafei practises neurology at Zulekha Hospital following a career spanning Egypt and Saudi Arabia, including several years as a neurologist at Kasr El-Ainy teaching hospital in Egypt and further clinical experience at Air Forces Specialised Hospital and ministry of health hospitals in the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia. This broad regional clinical background gives him substantial experience with both outpatient and emergency neurological presentations.
| Hospital/Clinic | Doha St – Al Nahda Second – Al Qusais – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Speciality | General Neurology |
| Contact | 600 52 4442 |
Top Neurology Hospitals and Clinics in Dubai
1. King’s College Hospital Dubai Neurosciences Centre
King’s College Hospital Dubai’s Neurosciences Centre brings together neurologists, neurosurgeons, and related specialists to manage everything from minor nerve issues to complex brain or spine conditions. The centre offers on-site imaging, neurophysiology testing, and rehabilitation services, meaning patients do not need to travel between multiple facilities for diagnosis and treatment. Diagnostic tools include EEG, EMG, nerve conduction studies, sleep studies, and a full range of MRI and CT imaging
| Address | King’s College Hospital London – Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid – Dubai Hills – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Phone | 800 7777 |
| Website | kingscollegehospitaldubai.com |
| Doctor | Qualification | Speciality |
| Dr. Vittorio Iantorno | Consultant Neurologist | General Neurology |
| Dr. Olusegun John Oluwole | Specialist Neurologist | General Neurology |
| Dr. Donghoon Oh | Consultant Neurologist | General Neurology |
| Dr. Ane Crespo Cuevas | Consultant Neurologist | General Neurology |
| Dr. Aneela Darbar | Consultant Neurosurgeon | Neurosurgery |
| Dr. Nicandro Figueiredo | Consultant Spinal Neurosurgeon | Spinal Neurosurgery |
| Dr. Ubaid Shah | Consultant Pediatric Neurologist & Epileptologist | Pediatric Neurology & Epilepsy |
2. German Neuroscience Center (GNC)
German Neuroscience Center was one of the first dedicated high-quality neurology facilities in Dubai, with specialists treating patients for over two decades. The centre offers comprehensive second-opinion consultations for patients who have seen multiple neurologists previously without receiving a clear diagnosis or effective management plan, a service that has built strong trust among patients dealing with complex or unresolved neurological conditions.
| Website | gncdubai.com |
| Notable Doctor | Prof. Dr. Erich Ringelstein, world-renowned neurologist and researcher, author of over 100 papers |
3. Zulekha Hospital Neurology Department
Zulekha Hospital’s neurology department treats a wide range of conditions including dystonia, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, peripheral nerve disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, headaches, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. The hospital has also opened the country’s first evolving highly specialised pediatric neurology centre, offering state-of-the-art, evidence-based care to newborns, infants, children, and young people up to 18 years across the UAE and GCC.
| Address | Doha St – Al Nahda Second – Al Qusais – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Phone | 600 52 4442 |
| Website | zulekhahospitals.com |
| Doctor | Qualification | Speciality |
| Dr. Mohammed Moinuddin Nawazi | Nephrologist | Nephrology |
| Dr. Salah Al Deen Al Omar | Emergency Physician | Emergency Medicine |
| Dr. Shashank Sharma | Laboratory Specialist | Laboratory Medicine |
| Dr. Shareej S. | Gastroenterologist | Gastroenterology |
| Dr. Shalini Dadu | Anesthesiologist | Anesthesiology |
| Dr. Shailesh Uniyal | Dermatologist | Dermatology |
| Dr. Shafaq Iqbal Nazir | Gynecologist | Gynecology |
| Dr. Seyed Bagher Tabatabaei | Cardiologist | Cardiology |
| Dr. Sathish Kandasamy | Interventional Radiologist | Interventional Radiology & Radiology |
| Dr. Saranya Devi | Ophthalmologist | Ophthalmology |
| Dr. Samir Issa | Vascular Surgeon | Vascular Surgery |
| Dr. Sameh Hamdi Abdelhamid Ibrahim Seyam | Critical Care Specialist | Critical Care Medicine |
4. Fakeeh University Hospital Neurology
Fakeeh University Hospital is recognised as one of the top neurology facilities in the UAE, treating a broad range of neurological conditions including cerebrovascular disease, ALS, and neurogenic speech and language disorders. The department collaborates closely with radiology for neuroimaging including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and angiography, and uses specialised neurophysiology services to assess brain, spinal cord, nerve, and muscle function. Both pediatric and adult neurology services are available.
| Address | 49CP+RG – Nadd Hessa – Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Phone | +971 4 519 0000 |
| Website | fuh.care |
5. American Hospital Dubai Neurology Department
American Hospital Dubai’s Neurology Department treats the full spectrum of neurological conditions from headaches, migraine, and concussion to complex disorders including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and infections of the nervous system such as meningitis and encephalitis. The department operates a collaborative model bringing together neurology, neurosurgery, and neuro-rehabilitation services for comprehensive treatment outcomes, supported by state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic facilities.
| Address | 12 American Hospital – 15th St – Oud Metha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Phone | +971 4 336 7777 |
| Website | ahdubai.com |
Common Conditions Treated by Neurologists
Neurologists in Dubai diagnose and treat conditions including migraine and chronic headaches, epilepsy and seizure disorders, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, peripheral neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, ALS, and movement disorders such as tremor and dystonia. Symptoms that typically prompt a neurology consultation include persistent or unusual headaches, dizziness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, balance problems, tremors, seizures, or noticeable changes in memory or cognitive function.
Cost of Seeing a Neurologist in Dubai
A general neurology consultation in Dubai typically costs between AED 100 and 600, though comprehensive consultations at premium facilities can cost around AED 1,500. Diagnostic tests are usually charged separately: a lumbar puncture, for example, typically costs around AED 2,600, with additional charges depending on the specific tests required for a given patient’s condition. Most UAE health insurance plans cover neurology consultations and diagnostic testing, though it is worth confirming coverage details with your insurer before booking, particularly for more specialised tests such as EEG or nerve conduction studies.
Neurologist vs Neurosurgeon: What’s the Difference?
A neurologist diagnoses and manages neurological conditions using medication, therapy, and non-surgical treatment approaches. A neurosurgeon performs surgical procedures on the brain, spine, and nervous system when a condition requires physical intervention, such as removing a tumour or correcting a structural spinal issue. In many cases, a neurologist will refer a patient to a neurosurgeon for surgical evaluation once non-surgical options have been exhausted or when imaging reveals a condition that clearly requires surgical correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a neurologist?
Persistent headaches, dizziness, tingling, muscle weakness, balance problems, tremors, seizures, or noticeable memory changes are all reasons to see a neurologist. Even relatively mild symptoms are worth investigating if they are new, persistent, or affecting daily life.
Do I need a referral to see a neurologist in Dubai?
No. You can book a neurology consultation directly at any hospital or clinic in Dubai without needing a referral from a GP, although some insurance plans may require one for the visit to be covered.
How much does a neurology consultation cost in Dubai?
A general neurology consultation typically costs between AED 100 and 600, with additional diagnostic tests such as a lumbar puncture costing around AED 2,600. Costs vary depending on the hospital and the seniority of the consultant.
Can children see a neurologist in Dubai?
Yes. Several hospitals including Zulekha Hospital and Fakeeh University Hospital offer dedicated pediatric neurology services for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents up to 18 years of age.
Related reading:
Specialist Doctors in Dubai
Hospitals in Dubai
